Atlantic City history

The history of Atlantic City is the story of a secluded island transforming into one of the most famous resorts on the East Coast of the USA. The city was purposefully created as a destination for relaxation and health, and its development is inextricably linked with tourism.

Foundation and First Mentions

The idea of creating a resort on Absecon Island, originally inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape Native American tribe, belonged to Dr. Jonathan Pitney. In the early 1850s, he saw the potential of this location as a health and wellness centre for residents of major cities.

• 1853: The resort received the official name Atlantic City.
• 1 May 1854: The city was officially incorporated by the authorities of the state of New Jersey.

Key Factors of Establishment

Several key factors contributed to the rapid growth of the city:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Atlantic Ocean coast, close to major metropolises such as Philadelphia and New York, made it easily accessible to millions of people.
• Transport Accessibility: The construction of a direct railway line was a decisive step in its development. By 1874, trains were bringing about half a million tourists a year to Atlantic City.
• Resort Concept: The initial idea of the city as a "dreamland," built for rest and entertainment, attracted a diverse public — from workers from Philadelphia to wealthy travellers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Atlantic City was positioned as an entertainment hub. On the coast, luxurious hotels, restaurants, and theatres sprang up rapidly. In 1870, the famous wooden promenade — the Boardwalk — was built, becoming the symbol of the city. An atmosphere of eternal carnival, beauty contests, various attractions, and performances formed a unique image of the city, which was even immortalised in the street names on the game board of the world-famous game "Monopoly".

Chronology of the City's Development

From a modest health resort to the "Gaming Capital of the East Coast" — the history of Atlantic City is full of ups, downs, and bold transformations. Key moments of this journey reflect the unique character of the city.

• 1783: Jeremiah Leeds establishes the first permanent settlement on Absecon Island, laying the foundation for the future city.
• 1 May 1854: Atlantic City receives official city status.
• 1 July 1854: The arrival of the first train from Camden marks the beginning of the era of mass tourism.
• 1870: Construction of the first wooden promenade (Boardwalk) for the convenience of hotel guests.
• September 1921: The city hosts the first "Miss America" beauty pageant, originally conceived to extend the tourist season.
• 1929: The grand Convention Hall (known today as Boardwalk Hall) opens, one of the largest buildings of its time.
• 1976: In a referendum, New Jersey residents approve the legalisation of games of chance exclusively within Atlantic City.
• 26 May 1978: Resorts International opens — the first legal casino in the USA outside of Nevada, launching a new era in the city's history.
• 1990: Donald Trump opens the luxurious "Taj Mahal" gaming complex, dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world".
• October 2012: The city suffers serious damage from Hurricane Sandy, which caused massive flooding and destruction.

Key Stages of Atlantic City's Development

The development of Atlantic City is a history of bold experiments and transformations aimed at attracting tourists. From the construction of the railway to the legalisation of casinos, each stage radically changed the appearance and economy of the city.

• Construction of the Railway (1854)

  The launch of a rail connection with Philadelphia turned the secluded island into an accessible resort. This step became the foundation for future growth, ensuring a constant influx of holidaymakers and investment in the construction of hotels and entertainment infrastructure.

• Creation of the Boardwalk (1870)

  The appearance of the famous wooden decking along the coast not only solved the problem of sand in hotels but also created the main centre of public life in the city. The Boardwalk became the symbol of Atlantic City, a place for walking, commerce, and entertainment, defining its unique urban layout.

• The "Golden Age" and the Prohibition Era (1920s)

  During this period, the city consolidated its status as the "World's Playground". Hosting the first "Miss America" pageant and the tacit disregard for Prohibition laws attracted a huge number of tourists. Luxurious hotels, nightlife venues, and an atmosphere of liberty formed the cultural phenomenon of Atlantic City.

• Legalisation of the Gaming Industry (1976)

  Facing economic decline in the post-war years, the city placed its bet on games of chance. The 1976 referendum permitting casinos became a turning point in the modern history of Atlantic City. This decision was made to revive the economy and create new jobs.

• Era of Casino Resorts (1978–1990s)

  The opening of the first casino, Resorts International, on 26 May 1978, initiated a construction boom. Giant gaming and entertainment complexes rose on the sites of old hotels. This period completely changed the economy and architectural landscape of the city, turning it into the "Las Vegas of the East Coast".

• Diversification and New Challenges (from 2010s)

  Competition from casinos in neighbouring states and economic crises led to the closure of several large gaming establishments. In response, the city began to actively develop non-gaming sectors: convention tourism, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment shows, striving to create a more sustainable economic model.

The architectural appearance of Atlantic City is a vibrant and eclectic mosaic reflecting its unique history as a resort city and entertainment hub. From luxurious Victorian-era hotels to giant postmodernist casino complexes, every building here tells its own chapter in the city's chronicles.

Early Resort Architecture (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

During its formative period, Atlantic City was built up with grandiose hotels designed in the popular styles of the time. On the famous Boardwalk, buildings rose in Queen Anne, Beaux-Arts, and various historicist styles. These hotels, such as the famous but no longer standing Marlborough-Blenheim and Traymore, created an image of an elite and respectable resort. Their architecture was intended to impress and create an atmosphere of luxury for wealthy guests from Philadelphia and New York.

Era of Art Deco and Modernism (1920–1940s)

The "Roaring Twenties" brought a construction boom and a new architectural style to the city — Art Deco. The most outstanding example of this era is Boardwalk Hall (1929), a monumental structure that was considered one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction. Its strict geometric forms, luxurious decoration, and gigantic dimensions perfectly reflected the spirit of the times — the Jazz Age, bold parties, and the first "Miss America" pageant.

The Casino Era: Postmodernism and Themed Design (from 1978)

The legalisation of the gaming business in 1976 radically changed the urban landscape. Old hotels were replaced by large-scale casino resorts, which became striking examples of Postmodernism and themed architecture. Complexes built in the 1980s–1990s sought to create a world of fantasy for visitors. A vivid example was the now-reconstructed Trump Taj Mahal with its stylisation of an Indian palace. These buildings changed the city's panorama, creating a new, flashy, and recognisable silhouette.

Contemporary Stage (from 2000s)

In the 21st century, Atlantic City's architecture began to move away from pure theming towards a more elegant and modern design. The opening of the Borgata hotel-casino in 2003 marked this shift: its sleek golden glass towers brought the aesthetic of Las Vegas to the city. Later, this trend was picked up by other complexes, such as the Ocean Casino Resort with its fully glass facade. In parallel, the city strives for diversification by creating non-gaming spaces, for example, the retail district The Quarter in the Tropicana hotel, styled after the streets of old Havana, adding even more variety to the city's architectural look.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Atlantic City

The history of Atlantic City is inextricably linked with vibrant and influential personalities who shaped its appearance throughout different eras — from the founding fathers to cultural figures and historical bosses.

Jonathan Pitney (1797–1869)

A physician and visionary, rightfully called the "Father of Atlantic City". It was he who, in the mid-19th century, saw the potential of the secluded Absecon Island as a health resort. Pitney was the main lobbyist for the construction of the railway connecting the coast with Philadelphia, which initiated the rapid development of the city.

Enoch "Nucky" Johnson (1883–1968)

A political boss and treasurer who was the unofficial ruler of Atlantic City during the Prohibition era (1920–1933). He controlled the illicit trade of beverages, gaming, and local operations, turning the city into a "premier entertainment destination". His colourful figure served as the prototype for the main character "Nucky" Thompson in the famous HBO series "Boardwalk Empire".

Frank "Hap" Farley (1901–1977)

An influential New Jersey State Senator who inherited political power in the city after the era of "Nucky" Johnson and held it for 30 years. It is believed that Farley played a key role in the historic decision to legalise casinos in Atlantic City in 1976, which gave the city a second chance at prosperity.

James Avery (1945–2013)

A famous American actor who grew up in Atlantic City. He gained worldwide fame for his role as Philip Banks (Uncle Phil) in the popular 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Although he was not born in the city itself, his youth was spent here, linking him to the history of Atlantic City.

Dave Thomas (1932–2002)

Entrepreneur and founder of one of the world's largest fast-food chains — Wendy's. Dave Thomas was born in Atlantic City on 2 July 1932. His success story is a vivid example of the realisation of the "American Dream," which began in this coastal city.